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Mississippi National River and Recreation AreaThe Mississippi River winds its way through St. Paul, Minnesota.
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Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
Volunteer
 
 

You can learn new skills, stay involved in your community, teach others, meet new friends and visit amazing sites on America's greatest river- the Mississippi. Volunteers gain a lot from their experiences at the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.

Volunteers of all abilities and backgrounds help connect visitors and students with the diverse resources of the Mississippi River and help ensure these wonderful treasures and stories are available for generations to enjoy in the future.

Volunteers play an active role in most park programs and projects. Here are just some of the many opportunities for volunteers to experience America's greatest river- the Mississippi:

  • Restore natural areas along the river by identifying and removing non-native plants
  • Help visitors plan their visits along the river at the new Mississippi River Visitor Center in the Science Museum of Minnesota.
  • Assist park staff with research, web design and office support in the headquarters office.
  • Encourage students to explore the river with binoculars from the deck of a moving riverboat during the Big River Journey.

Chances are you have a special skill that you can share or want to learn. Amateur historians, bird-watchers, artists, and graphic designers are just some of the many volunteers who make a difference every year for Mississippi National River and Recreation Area! Internships and activities for your group or organization are also available.

Volunteers are people like you who enjoy the beauty and history of the Mississippi River- one of the world's most celebrated rivers.

Golden black-eyed susans in bloom.
Seed Starters Restore Prairies
Volunteers start prairie seeds and transplant them in public spaces along the Mississippi River.
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Youth participant pulling invasive weeds among tall grasses.
Summer Stretch Participants Pull Invasive Species
Youth from two churches help remove invasive species from the Mounds Park prairie restoration.
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A slow and shallow section of Itaska.  

Did You Know?
At the headwaters of the Mississippi, the average surface speed of the water is 1.2 miles per hour. People typically walk 3 miles per hour.

Last Updated: July 23, 2008 at 14:17 EST